Vbac

I agree with getting a 2nd opinion.
I had a C-section with my daughter and was told that I could still have a vaginal birth with my next child and I did (on Oct 3rd!). the chance of a successful VBAC is 60-80% but it IS possible. I wanted to do it because C-sections aren't good for me and my body and if we have a 3rd, I did NOT want to go through that C-section healing process again.
Good Luck!

well depending on where you live there is a wonderful doctor in Glendale. His name is Dr. Erickson and he is so informative. When I had my third child I wanted a V-bac, but I went through about ten doctors who just refused to help me, then a nurse told me about D. Erickson and he was soo helpfull, he answered all my questions(even the really stupid ones), but he can help you out with all of your questions. I highly sugest you at least talk to him.

Marv Erickson, MD
18699 N. 67th ave suite: 320
Glendale AZ 85308
###-###-####

If you are not close to him, he might be able to tell you of a doc who is close. I hope this helps you and good luck on your next pregnancy.

Hi C.,

First of all, I would recommend finding a new doctor. My doctor, Dr. Diane Spieker at Central Phoenix Women's Health care ###-###-####) allowed me to try a vbac. She was very supportive. Why were you induced a week before your due date? How long were you at 3cm before they decided to do a c-section? I have had 2 c-sections and was disappointed as well. I did have to have a c-section after trying a vbac, but my son was in distress and he had to come out asap. Although, I don't know if I could have gotten him out on my own, he was 10 pounds! Anyway, good luck with your future pregnancies. I think finding another doctor is your first step!

K.
www.babybootcamp.com

Hi
I would really like to clear up the myth about the dangers of babies who have the cord rapped around their neck.
Actually most babies are born with the cord around their neck. Some babies have it wrapped three times and are safely born naturally. The baby moves around freely in the whom and wrappes the cord up all the time. The cord is strong and plyable and since the baby doesn't start breathing throug the mouth fully until the cord has been clamped there are no dangers. The docter will check as soon as the head is born if there is a cord around the neck and slip it over the head before delivering babies shoulders. I have assisted 260 births as a doula and seen many wrapped cords, never will the mom or baby almost die from that, never.
Birth in the United states is not the safest, about 15 countries are above the United States when it comes to maternal and neonatal deaths.
I strongly support women who have the confidence that their body knows when it is time for babies to be born. Induction has been rising in the last 10 years and so have c-sections. There is a direct correlation there.
G.
Certified doula

I'm so sorry to hear that you went through this experience. I am not a medical professional but I have delivered a child and found that the doctors and nurses were extremely forceful in intervening medically when it wasn't necessary. I still regret letting them use pitocin to augment my labor when I wasn't progressing at the rate that they saw as ideal. That pitocin led me to needing an epidural at the 38th hour, which was exactly what I was trying to avoid.

Based on all of the information you included, it really sounds like your doctor was not working towards your best interest and was primarily focused on getting your baby out on a schedule so that he/she could keep his/her golf tee time. They shouldn't have induced you in the first place, especially prior to your due date. But this decision was also your responsibility and it sounds like you've learned from this experience to question medical authority more than before. Lots of OBGYN doctors are very old school and time-oriented. If you want to have a natural childbirth you will first need to find a doctor who REALLY promotes the benefits of this. Sadly, that can be hard to find. I thought I had one and it seems he wasn't as supportive as he had indicated.

I cannot tell you with 100% accuracy but I would put $1000 on the fact that your pelvis is NOT too narrow to deliver any baby vaginally. That condition is sooooooo rare. Doctors just like to schedule delivers and they end up taking babies by c-section because they aren't ready to come otherwise.

By and large, it may be hard for you to have a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) but under good circumstances with a supportive doctor it is a good possibility. I would really recommend taking a natural birthing course like Bradley or Lamaze to learn more about the birthing process(not the course offered by the hospital because they are medical intervention specialists).

I hope that this helps you in preparing for your next child. Delivering your baby is such an amazing experience and changes in your plans and desires can result in a lot of regret that we, as mothers, do not need to experience.

Go to a new OB and tell them that you're concerned. I wouldn't mention you think your doctor lied, they take that personally. Just say you want to have another baby and would like to deliver without c-section. They can do an exam and take a look to see if you really do have a very small pelvis. It may be rare, but I have 2 friends with that problem who not only have a narrow pelvis, but because of it can't carry a baby. (something about the extra weight)It does happen, but it's better to try a new doctor and get some answers since you don't trust your old one anymore.

I did a VBAC and it was fantastic. GET A NEW OB and find one that supports your decisions and that you click with. If Nevada allows, go to a midwife and have a plan and so you get a chance at the birth you want, not what some Dr. wants to schedule for his/her own convenience. Hips widen and the body changes so women can birth babies, my 4'11'' great grandmother birthed a 13 lb baby, naturally.

Dear C., I'm sorry to hear about your traumatic birth experience. I am a mother of a 3 month old and I also wanted to have a natural birth. I ended up having a C section and though it wasn't my first choice, it was safest for the baby. I am amazed at the talents of the medical community, the whole ordeal took about 10 minutes. I cried the whole time but in the end, regardless on what took place, we now have a beautiful, healthy little boy.
It sounds as though you doubt your physician, I say you start looking for another care taker. You may need another C section, those things shouldn't be determined unless mom or baby are in danger, but I also have know ladies with 3 kids and had to go through 3 C sections.
Cherish what your baby and start interview other care takers.
If you live in the Denver area, I have a great source for you.
Take care, D

Yes i believe that doctors use C-sections to finish the process. Unless there is a medical reason I do not believe in inducing women. Both my sisters were given inducing drugs to make there labor go faster and both ended up bleeding very badly and almost had to have a histroectemy (SP?) THere are doctors out there that just want to get it over with and they don't give your body time to do the whole process right. By making your labor go faster they are messing with nature and as you know that isn't always right. If you want to get a second opinon that would be best. I would also reconmend a new doctor. If you would like to talk feel free to write back

HI. I was told that I might have to have a c-section too, but I did not have to have one with my son. Im a small person, they induced me to, because they did not want my son to get any bigger,plus he was ready to come out.So I had no problems at all. I have heard that with second births you can request to have naturally.

I know oftentimes moms are told to "just be happy, you have a healthy baby" and forget the rest; and I know from personal experience it just doesn't work that way. The best comparison I've heard is that it's like expecting twins, but one dies. Of course you're happy to have a healthy baby! But that doesn't mean you're not mourning the loss you suffered; and mourning doesn't mean you love your baby any less.

Some ideas and resources that may be helpful:
* ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) can be an amazing resource. Their website is http://ican-online.net/.
* There are other birth support groups that can be amazingly healing.
* I would highly recommend a comprehensive childbirth class, one that teaches the science so you can give true informed consent (and know when to use your informed refusal too!).
* I loved the book "Rebounding from Childbirth Towards Emotional Recovery," I found it to be very healing.
* Another thing I did that was helpful was to write out my traumatic birth - every single detail. Everyone who annoyed me, everything that disappointed me, every detail. It covered pregnancy, labor, birth, and the newborn period and it was full of venom! But I was able to let that venom out and it helped me move on.
* It's not too early to look for a care provider.
* This may sound a bit radical, but the best way to avoid a c/section is to not hire a surgeon as a care provider (and OBs are surgeons by definition). Staying away from buildings that have operating rooms is another way to make sure you stay out of it unless really honestly and truly necessary.
* Bach Flowers (http://www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies.htm) can be a great holistic and natural way to help emotional recovery too; they can be used for babies as well.
* Therapy can be a helpful tool; I’ve heard wonderful things about EMDR (www.EMDR.com) for traumatic events.
* Chiropractic care for your next pregnancy can help make sure you have the best chances for a natural birth.

Keep in mind that our bodies move and bend; measuring your pelvis now means next to nothing about how it will be shaped when in labor. Our bodies release relaxin that loosens ligaments; we stretch; there are different positions that change the pelvic outlet (squatting opens the pelvic outlet by up to 20% - that's huge!!). We are not made of stone.

Good luck to you – both in healing and getting the birth you want!

Hi - I went to the hospital in labor, didn't progress and had to have pitocin and then pushed for 3 hrs. and could not get my son out. I, too had a c-section. At the section they found my son's head to be stuck in my pelvis (both ways) and had a difficult time getting him out. My pelvis is too small. I would never even attenmpt a vaginal birth again. We are lucky to have such a healthy son. I did not want a c-section but found it saved both of our lives. I have discussed it with my OB and we are on the same page - c-section!

My sister-in-law had the same situation with her two boys, ages three and one. The problem you may run into with having baby #2 is that most hospitals won't allow a woman who's had a c-section previously, proceed with a natural delivery. There can be serious risks if complications develop, and all the hospitals in my area have the motto "Once a c-section, always a c-section." I personally think it's just a way of protecting themselves from lawsuits. Check it out in your area. And consider getting a new doctor!

Dear C.,
I was ancient -- 40 -- when I had my second child VBAC. I'd urge you to find an OB who understands what you want and with whom you can discuss this option BEFORE you get pregnant. It may be that you're not "built" for having babies. If that's the case, then you have to decide what's more important: HOW you have the baby, or having the child itself.

I knew I didn't want another C-section, but I also knew I wanted a second child and would do whatever it took to have that child be healthy.

I also knew that at 40, I'd never have the chance to have a natural birth if I didn't have it with my second child. It was important to me. My doctor knew it too; we'd discussed it.

Still, when it came time (we induced because of gestational diabetes), I was in labor for so long, my doc wanted me to have a C-section. He'd been on for hours and went home for some sleep (I'd been progressing slowly) and his partner came it. She had her only child when she was older and did everything possible to help me have a VBAC and, thank goodness, it worked.

My best,
P.

WOW! I've never heard of a pelvis being too small. That's not saying it's not possible, I've just never heard of it. But what I HAVE heard, and it was told to me by my midwife a year and a half ago when we planned to induce with my 2nd baby, is that induction doesn't always work. If your body isn't ready, and the baby isn't ready, it won't work. The reason she told me this is because I was strongly against forcing a baby out before it's ready. Now, maybe she was just trying to soothe my worries, but I don't think she lied to me. I would explore the possibility that you and baby just weren't ready. How early were you induced??

C.,
On June 4, 2004, I had a c-section and my daughter was born. On January 5, 2006, I had a VBAC and my son was born. Some doctors prefer not to do them. My suggestion to you would be to get a copy of your medical records and take them to a new OB (get recommendations from people you trust). Have another OB look over your records and see what they think about you having a VBAC.

With my daughter, I was a week overdue and I was 5-6 cm on my own. My doctor scheduled an induction. I went in at 7:30 am and by 6:40 pm she was being delivered via c-section; I was devestated, but happy that she was healthy. My body progressed completely; I was fully dilated and completely efaced. Part of it, according to my doctor, was the tilt of my pelvis and my tailbone, but the other part was that she presented with the back of her head, rather than the top, and she was 9 lbs 15 oz. I'm not a big person and she was stuck.

I was very nervous to try a VBAC with my son (what if he got stuck, what if there was brain damage b/c of lack of oxygen, lots of worries running through my head). Since I had a c-section with my daughter I had to sign a consent form, stating that I had been made aware of the risks of a VBAC and whether or not I wanted one. It's not set in stone though, as a matter of fact, I signed the form stating that I did not want to try a VBAC. The day before my son was born I had a sonogram to get an idea of how big he was. And it turned out he was around 8 lbs. The next evening I was putting my daughter to bed. I stood up to walk her from her room to where my husband was and my water broke as I was walking through the kitchen. I got to the hospital, still thinking I was going to have a c-section, but feeling very conflicted with that decision (crying, the whole nine yards). When the nurse checked me she said that I was 7 cm and she saw no reason why I couldn't try a VBAC if I wanted to . I got the epidural, just in case and b/c I tried without the first time (I already knew how painful labor was), and about 8 hours later, my 7 lb 14 oz beautiful baby boy was born "naturally" and without any complications.

VBACS can be done, a lot of women do, but like I said before, some doctors don't like to. Find an OB who is not opposed to allowing their patient to try a VBAC.

I'm not sure where you live, but the doctors at Ironwood OB/GYN (in Tucson, across from TMC) are great. Dr. Goldberg delivered my daughter via c-section and Dr. Laird was the doctor on call when I went into labor, she delieved my son.

Good luck to you and sorry this is so long.

Hi C.,
I definately understand your fair and concerns and would recommend another doctor to get a secon oppinion, but at the same time try to accept the things they are and don't look back. With my first kid I had emergency c-section, because they found out that my cord was wrapped around his neck. So with the second pregnancy I really wanted a vaginal birth and I went to two different doctors and they both said that I can do whatever I want, but if I would be their wife they wouldn't let me have a vaginal birth. They told me that yes it is possible to have natural birth, but the risks are high. You could tear and that would risky for you and the baby. I ended scheduling my c-section and everything went well. Deep in side I wish I would have experienced a natural birth, but in my heart I new it wasn't worht the risk and I am happy to have two healty boys. So I think you should go to another doctor to find out your hips and then make a decision and be happy with it and don't look back. Good luck with everything and let us know what happens.

Hi C.-

I just had my first baby 2 weeks ago. I am very athletic and had an easy pregnancy with high hopes of a successful, natural childbirth. My water broke at 37 weeks - I was only 1.5 cm dialated when we went to triage. We waited 6 hours and I didn't progress, so they started pitocin and just kept cranking it up until I reached full dialation. Finally at about 18 hours into labor I was able to start pushing - and pushed for over 3.5 hours. They don't normally let you push that long, but since they were strong and successful pushes, they wanted to try. They had doubts the baby would fit past my tailbone, but wanted to try suctioning before moving on to our last resort of an emergency c-section. In the end, after the full 24 hours of labor, and suctioning attempts, I had to have a c-section (also very upsetting to me) since the baby's head wouldn't fit and it was starting to swell due to the extra pressure and long labor. The baby wasn't even that big - but I've been told the size of the woman doesn't determine if the baby will fit or not. The doctors did do a kind of c-section where they told me I could have a natural delivery in the future if I would like.

I'm not sure this answers your question, but after going through it recently - I am confident in my doctors and our decision that he was not going to fit and it is unfortuate that we both had to endure such a hard labor for so long unncessarily.

Good luck with #2.
J.

I planned on having a "normal" child birth with my first daughter also. My blood pressure was high through the pregnancy, so at 40 wks, they induced me. I was induced for almost a day, and by that time, my daughter's vitals were being affected. They did an emergency C-section on her. My son was also born via C-section. Through the pregnancy they thought his head measured big, then it was normal, then it was too big. When I say too big, his head measured at 2 months further along than his body. He was delivered by C section because at 36 weeks I started bleeding for no reason. (He also had craniosynostosis).
I wanted to experience pushing and the whole 9 yards, but the more important point was that my kids were delivered healthy and safe. If you are trying for child #2, I would change my OB and find another one to go to. I used Dr. Villa in Chandler for both my kids, but their office is getting too busy for my taste. Good Luck.

I had a c-section with my first as well. I had a quick labor, but was pushing for a couple of hours when her heart rate started to drop. For my second baby I ended up switching doctors. My first OB said it was "up to me", but I could tell that she wasn't very supportive and I am pretty confident that I would have ended up with another c-section. I switched to a group of midwives and OB's. They were great. Because of my first c-section I was considered "high-risk", so a mid-wife and an OB were at the hospital when I went in. The mid-wife was AMAZING. I pushed for about 2.5 hours this time, my baby was bigger and posterier again, but I delivered naturally. This was in Michigan. I'm in Colorado now, so I'm not sure how everything works here (or in Nevada).
Of course a healthy baby is the outcome everyone wants and if you end up with another c-section, don't beat yourself up. That being said, my second birth was so much better than the first. Being able to hold my baby immediately was SO much better and the recovery was night and day difference. If you can find the support and feel comfortable, I would try it. Like you said, the number of women who actually have a pelvis that is too small is WAY smaller than those who are told that is their problem.
If you can't find an OB that is supportive, look for a birthing center. I would prefer one that is attached to a hospital (just in case), but there are free-standing centers as well.
Try taking a natural birthing course (like Bradley Method). You can find support and resources there. It is also great information even if you do have another c-section.
Good luck to you and e-mail me if you have any questions or anything.
E.

I completely understand how you feel. With my firtst son, I was actually 10 days past my due when they induced me. I was in labor for 36 hours and was only able to dialate to about 7 centimeters. I had to have an emergency c-section because my son's heart rate was too low that they had to call a code blue. I thought because of the previous c-section, I would have to have another c-section with the baby I am pregnant with right now. I found a doctor who is at Sky Ridge Medical who was more then postivie about me having a VBAC. I too have done my research on VBAC's because I want the experience of a vaginal birth. If you are interested in my doctor's name, I would be more then happy to provide that for you. There are many OB/GYN's here in Denver who are willing to due a VBAC. Find one that you are comfortable with, and the whole experience will be great.

You should definitely call my doula, Stephanie Soderbloom. She is very knowledgable on Vbacs, and had one hereself. She know what doctors and hospitals to recommend. Her number is ###-###-####.

Also, my sister is about as thin and narrow as a person can be and she had two natural childbirths. So don't lose hope!

Good luck!

C.,

I'm 5'2 and very small boned. I had a c-section with my first child because he was breech. I had a VBAC with my second child last year. Both of my children were 3 weeks early and close to 8 pounds (7 pounds, 14 ounces and 7 pounds, 11 ounces). I make big babies. It isn't uncommon at all for a mom to be induced, not progress and end up with a c-section. I do think having a mom with too small of a pelvis is really, really rare. Women's female parts are amazingly flexible and strangely enough, designed for having babies. LOL I would skip the MRI. Chances are, it will tell you nothing. It will tell you what your parts look like now but can't tell you how much they will stretch, etc.. during labor. Most women are induced for the doctor's convenience and it doesn't always work out well for mom (the doctor isn't the one who has to go home and take care of a newborn when he can barely walk! Much less a newborn and an older child). I made it really clear to my OB early in my second pregnancy that I didn't want another c-section unless it was absolutely medically necessary. If it were really necessary, yes, but I wasn't going to sign up 6 months in advance! I had a rough recovery with my c-section and I couldn't imagine going home with a newborn and having a 3 year old at home after that. It was hard enough with just a newborn. Anyway, my VBAC went really well. My OB and the anestisiologist (sp?) had to be at the hospital with me the entire time (hospital rules) in case of an emergency but there was no emergency (my doctor said if there was a problem they could have me knocked out and the baby . I got to the hospital at around 10 p.m. They broke my water around midnight and I delivered my son at a little before 4 a.m. By 7 a.m. I was up and walking around. I went home the following morning. I can't tell you enough how much easier the recovery was from my VBAC. Obviously my female parts were a little sore afterwards but I had maybe one percent of the pain I had with a c-section recovery. I'm in Las Vegas also. My doctor is Karen Dalley and she's in the Mountain View Medical Center on Cheyenne and Tenaya. I live in Silverado Ranch so I obviously like her a lot to drive all the way over there to see her. She genuinely cares about her patients and I think that is a really good quality in a doctor.

:-)T.

I too was induced and ended up with a c-section. I was also very disappointed at first, but the bottom line is I had a healthy baby boy and I was healthy too. Now I don't know where you live but in some states insurance will not cover vbac's because of the risk factors. The stats are that 60-80% of vbacs are successful, the rest end up with a c-section anyway. My first c-section was also very traumatic, however with my second child it was a scheduled c-section and it all was very calm and safe.
My advice is to speak to your doctor, if they say absolutely no v-bac then get a second opinion. And then go with your gut. Remember the goal is a healthy baby and Mom, no matter how your child enters this world you will love them just the same. And by no means did you fail as a mother because you couldn't deliver "naturally", I only say this because this is how I felt at first.
Good luck trying for this next baby and no matter how it comes I wish you a happy healty baby #2! :)

There is a practice called pelvimetry. Not many dr. are going to know how to do it, but many midwive will. It of course is not 100% but it tells you what type of bone structure you have. There are 4 types of pelvis shapes. Also the muscles and ligaments in your pelvis play a role, along with the size of your child. I just had a vbac at home with a midwife. I delivered a 9lb 4 oz boy, and I am only 5'2''. Also the outward appearence of your "hips" gives no indicatiation of your inner parts.
Find a dr., or midwife that will help you and support your decisions. Ask about pelvimetry, and keep your diet healthy and exersize. All these things go together to help with a succesfull vbac. There is a book called "Heart and Hands a midwife's guide to pregnancy and birth" It is a great book for parents, it has a lot of information and details about birth, pelvis types, vbacs and complications. Your body will probably act like a first timer, so you will probably go overdue. Your body has to figure out how to labor, and get things to work together. Trust your body and yourself. I hope you have a great vbac, it is truely an emotionaly healing experience. Good luck
T.

I'm not sure if this will help but i just thought i would tell you a little about what they told me when i had my little girl. I was pretty sure that i was going to have to have a c-section because i am built very small and my mom could never have kids naturally. When it came close to my due date i was definately ready to have the baby and my dr. said that it would be best to let my body go naturally without starting me because you want to make sure it is ready. He also told me that they wouldn't start me until after my due date when you are a first time mom, and that they would like you to be dialated to at least a 3, thinned out 70% and the baby down into position at a -3. I went into labor two days before my due date the contractions were not really strong but they were constant and would not go away but i never dialated past a 1. I really wanted my dr. to start me but he told me it would be best if i gave it more time because he didn't think the baby was ready. They later learned that i was forced into labor because of an infection and once i started the antibiotics the contractions went away. Anyways I went to the dr. two days after my due date i had been on the antibiotic for a couple days and was feeling pretty good. I still wanted the baby to be here but took my dr's advice and decided to give my body some more time. I went in the next tuesday about a week after my due date and to my dismay i was still only dialated to a one but was almost all the way thinned out. I was really nervous i didn't know if i could do it naturally or not but i wanted to try. My dr. was very optomistic and he wanted me to try to. Because i am so small people had there strong doubts my mother in law begged me to just schedule a c-section but i was going to try regardless of what anyone thought. My dr. had me come in that night it was a tuesday and they started me on citatec. It was some pill that they crushed up and put inside of you and it is supposed to help you dialate. It made me start having contractions again they were not painful but were very regular on the charts so they could not give me another dose. I slept through the night and at about six aclock the next morning they checked me and i was still only dialated to a one kinda close to a two. we decided to break my water and put me on the pit it took about an hour and a half before the contractions started getting really bad and i finally got to a 3 and they gave me the epideral. once i had the epideral i started dialating really good and was to a 9 by noon and to a ten 15 minutes later. I started pushing at 12:15 and my sweet baby girl was born at 1:00 on the dot. My labor went so smoothly there was no complications and i barely ripped at all i ended up with one stitch. Everyone was amazed and i was thrilled. My dr. said it happened and it went so well because i waited and gave my body time. If i were you i would probably see a different dr. and give it a try again i would do what you can to let your body go naturally but also let them know of your concerns so they can have everything ready incase you do have to have a c-section again. Hopefully this helps its probably alot of unneeded information but i just want you to know how against my dr. was of starting me. He kept telling me that i would have to have a c-section if he started me to early. and maybe that is what happened but your dr. is just telling you it is because of your hips to avoid the blame.

My first bit of advice would be to find a OB/GYN you can trust, perhaps someone that also has midwives as part of the practice since they seem more devoted to the natural birth process.

Now the second part is, What is the goal of getting pregnant? I would assume having a healthy baby. I have 3 kids and the latter two were induced almost 2 weeks early because of the trauma my first went through because I was too stubborn and I wanted him to "come in his own time." They had less postpartum complications and I by far and away recovered much easier too.

There was an article displayed years ago in my doctor's office stating that many women wanted the "ideal birth experience." The woman who wrote the article lost her child during birth. I think alternative birth experiences are wonderful but I keep in mind that there are times medical intervention is needed. There's a reason that childbirth isn't the leading cause of death in women like it was at the turn of the last century. Sorry I don't have any statistics to cite regarding loss of newborn life but I would assume that to some degree there is a causal relationship.

In summary, I don't think you are necessarily against medical intervention but I would implore you to ask friends/family for an OB/GYN you can trust. And I hope you are able to have a VBAC but I would more than anything hope your baby is healthy.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ICAN-online/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/phoenixbirthcircle/

I suggest getting a new doctor. I am not sure where you are located but 5th Ave OB/GYN (Dr. Clinch) is a great place. They are located at 28th Ave and Bell Rd. I was 36 weeks pregnant with my 1st when my water broke, my doctor gave me time to contract regularly before inducing me because I really didn't want to be induced. My daughter ended up in the NICU and of course I was barely able to hold her, her arms, legs and feet were black & blue from being poked with needles several times a day for tests. For me that experience was horrible and I felt like I lost that special bonding time with her. I am so sorry that the birth of your son was so traumatic, every mother has that special time mapped out and its supposed to be such a special experience and you cant ever get that back. I hope that you can find someone to work with your needs and will help you and I pray that your next one will be so very special for you! Good luck and God bless!

Hi there,
I had the EXACT same experience that you did. And when I first heard I needed a c-section, I freaked. But I think in the end it was the better choice. My DR told me that my pelvic bone is curved...which I wasn't sure of at first. But I use a contraceptive now that I have to insert and remove myself, and I can feel how it's curved. And when I got pregnant the second time, I scheduled the c-section, went in and within an hour - only 15 minutes of surgery - I was in my room waiting for my family to come back from seeing the baby. It was simple and fast with the second child and the recovery was better. And they cut right into the old scar so it's no big deal.

Hope this helps.

Hi C.!

Don't make yourself feel bad becasue you didn't deliver naturally. I have three children. The first was born naturally, the second was an emergency c-section, the cord was around her neck twice and we both almost died. I had the option to try for a vbac with the third, which up until I went into labor, I was planning on delivering naturally. But once the contractions started, something didn't feel right. I went with my gut and went ahead with the c-section. I didn't want to go through hours of labor and then still end up in another emergency c-section with the risk of putting my son through any unnecessary stress. Once I was in the OR the doctor told me I made a very wise decision, because the cord was around his neck twice and I would have ended up in the same situation as my daughter. YIKES!!!

All that being said, trying to have a vbac is a very noble idea, but bottom line, like the other posts have said, the most important thing is the health and well being of you and your baby. Also, the second c-section was so much easier and your body bounces back much quicker.

This is just my own experience and I wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do!

FIND A NEW OB! I have narrow hips--actually, practically no hips ;). My childbirth class instructor at the hospital mentioned to me that I may be too small to deliver naturally. It freaked me out, so I asked my OB about it, and he said that it's impossible to tell from an exam whether a baby will be able to fit through--nature is pretty impressive, and being too small doesn't happen that often. I ended up delivering with help of the vacuum, b/c DD's head was face up. I am not completely happy with how my hospital birth went, so I can imagine the disappointment in a C-section. But even though I was close to an emerg c-sec, my OB said that that didn't mean that it would happen again the next time around. Do your research about VBACs, and find a midwife or OB that will support you and try to help you reach your birthing goals. Even if it ends up in another c-section, at least you'll have known that you gave it 100% the second time around. Good luck to you! *Hugs*

Hi C.,
I have 2 children, ages 28 and 25. Technology has greatly advanced since then, but I am grateful that my doctor knew what he was doing. When I went into labor with my son, 28 years ago, I labored 15 hours and never dilated past 3 cm like yourself. I was 10 days past my due date, miserable and having contractions for 2 days. I was in extreme pain when they finally did an MRI and found that I too have inflexible hip bones. (I was told the exact name for it but have forgotten). I am an average sized woman, maybe on the smaller side, but definitely NOT what you would consider too small to have children. At that time I weighed about 115 pre pregnancy, and I am 5'4'. I was told the "inflexible hip bones" just happens sometimes, very rarely, but it happens. You are the only other person I have heard of since then, that has been told this. My son had entered the birth canal and they had to do an emergency C section before it caused brain damage from him being in there and pressing so hard on my pelvic bones to be born. The doctor explained that there was no way he would have been able to pass through without breaking my back bone and causing himself brain damage. He explained that in the "old days" I would have been one of those statistics that died during child birth. I always heard that, and thought how could someone die during child birth, it is so natural. It all made sense, he was delivered immediately and the swelling on his head went down in a few days with no lasting effects. With my second child, my daughter, 3 years later, my doctor scheduled the C-section a week earlier than her due date to avoid the same situation. All went well, she was a healthy 8 lbs 5 oz. I am grateful for my doctor's quick thinking and expertise, even though I was a rare case, he saw it and prevented a tragedy.

Hi C.,

The doctors are usually not going to induce without a good reason. Were you having blood pressure problems, or other medical problems? I have threes kids and 2 were induced. The oldest was because of preclamsia/toximia. The only way to cure it is get the baby out. I had gone to the reg ob appointment and I told them I was drinking plenety but wasn't coming out the other direction very well. I had swelled up really bad, they took blood pressure (which had gone way up) and sent me to the hospital to be induced. At this point my organs were shutting down and I (and baby) could have died. Then I had to be induce with my yougest one too. The water broke but labor wasn't starting after several hours, I walk in to the doctor office told them what happen and was told to get to the hospital and again baby could have died. I really think you need to focus on being healthy and having a healthy baby instead of blaming the doctor for something that more than likely couldn't be avoided. Be greatful that it didn't turn out worse than it did.

I second and third and fourth all of the great advice you have received. Find a doctor that is supportive of a VBAC - and change at any time during your pregnancy is you find out later he/she isn't comfortable with it! Hire a Doula that has LOTS of experience with VBAC moms!

You could have the MRI, but until you are very pregnant and your joints in your pelvic relax, your pelvis will not be at it's largest size. As well, your pelvis stretches even more while your pushing as the cartiledge stretches. Late in pregnancy your body produces a hormone that softens cartiledge in your pelvis as well as your other joints. If you were induced before this softening had taken full effect, your hips would not "give" as much as they would have otherwise. As well, babies head molds to fit and if you baby wasn't in the best position, he also wouldn't pass through easily (or at all). A really good Gyno could tell you WAY before you are going to get pregnant if you have a pelvic disorder. They can feel the isheal (sp?) spines or your butt bones, the ones you sit on. They can feel if they are particularly long, protruding into the birth canal. You most likely would have been told at your first vag exam after becoming pregnant. As well some people have a narrow pelvic opening BUT they usually have lots of room front to back. Or visa versa, they have narrw front to back but have lots of room side to side. You just have to try different positions in labor to figure out what works. If you were stuck in bed, or worse yet, flat on your back with an epidural, your baby didn't have any help finding the "right" direction.

Sorry this has gotten so long.

** POSITIVE STORY TO FOLLOW!!
My step mom had TWO, yes two, c sections. The first time, she was 18 and "tried" had the c-section because the dr. told her her pelvis was too small and she'd always have to have c/s. So the second time she just scheduled it. Well, she was so unhappy after the second time she educated herself on VBAC and proceeded to have her next baby VAGINALLY, UNMEDICATED AND AT HOME! then her next one SAME THING, and her next one SAME THING! 3 vaginal births after 2 c sections!!

Good Luck, you'll do great simply because you are choosing to educate yourself! J. at www.everymotherandchild.com Certified Doula & Lactation Consultant

I have to say you need to get a copy of your medical records including everything that happened at the hospital and go see another doctor and get a second opinion. I also had to have a c-section after induced labor and hours of labor. I do have to have another c-section but it has to do with other things. I also believe my doctor induced labor too early and my son didn't want to come yet. I now have a new doctor and gave him all of the files from the previous c-section and he told me I will have to have c-sections from now on but it has nothing to do with my pelvis. I cannot completely explain the reasons because I don't understand all of them, but I do trust this doctor. I am pregnant with my 2nd and scared but I trust this doctor much more than the previous one. A second opinion may ease your mind. I have to travel 2 hours to see my new doctor because there are no other docs in my town, but I would rather make the long trip.

C.

It is completely possible to have a vaginal birth after a c-section. Reading your request was very similar to several articles I have read in 'Mothering' Magazine. Doctors often use unnecessary drugs and induce labor for convenience when in fact these drugs slow labor and have awful side effects for both mother and child. Since you are not yet pregnant I would consider a midwife instead of a traditional doctor. If the idea of such a switch from western medicine is too much for you to accept some midwives do pair with obgyns.
I am currently seven months pregnant and deciding to go with a midwife and homebirth is the best decision I could have made for both myself and my baby. The recovery time is significantly less for both mother and child and the midwife will provide the guidelines for a diet that will help the baby develop properly and make labor easier. The average time spent with a midwife per appointment is 1 hour. She will also run the same blood and urine tests that a traditional doctor will, as well as testing for the size and position of the baby. Midwives are often covered by insurance and cost considerably less than a hospital birth. If there is any reason for the midwife to doubt the safety of a home birth for yourself or the baby she will insist on a hospital delivery.

I know exactly how you are feeling... it happened to me over 18 years ago!! I knew that I should just be happy to have a healthy baby, but I was just devastated that I had had to have a c-section. My doctor, Marotz, also induced me early, and I had all sorts of lovely interventions. I highly suggest two books: Silent Knife and Open Season. There are TONS of great advice about VBACs and how to prevent another c-section. It also justifies feeling the way that you do.

I'd like to say that my story ends with me having a VBAC, but it isn't true. With my second child, I labored without drugs, totally naturally, but she was turned in such a way that it was impossible for me to push her out. HOWEVER, because I knew that I had done everything in my power to have a VBAC, I was very much more accepting of the c-section. With my last 2 kids, I just scheduled c-sections.

Good luck!!